Barnsley Local Plan HIA Screening report 2016 Barnsley Local Plan HIA Screening report 2016 1....

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Barnsley Local Plan

HIA Screening report 2016

1. Introduction - Planning & health This report outlines the initial Screening and Scoping process forming part of a Health Impact Assessment of the Barnsley Local Plan. As set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the purpose of planning is to help achieve sustainable development. Sustainable means ensuring that better lives for ourselves doesn’t mean worse lives for future generations. The NPPF gives significant prominence to health as a cross cutting theme. The schedule at Annex 2 highlights specific references in the NPPF to health and wellbeing including:

The three roles of planning in helping to achieve sustainable development (Economic, Social and Environmental), and the references to “supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities” and to “accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being” within the Social role.

The requirement to “take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs” within the twelve Core Planning Principles.

The specific section on “Promoting healthy communities”

The emphasis in the sections on Plan making on infrastructure planning (including health), and working with “public health leads and health organisations to understand and take account of the health status and needs of the local population

(NHS London Healthy Urban Development, 2012)

2. Key health issues for Barnsley "Inequalities in health arise because of inequalities in society – in the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age." (Sir Michael Marmot, 2010).

The causes of inequalities are complex but they do not arise accidentally; the social, economic and environmental conditions in which we live strongly influence inequality.

Although the overall health of residents in Barnsley is improving, too many people are dying prematurely from diseases that are largely avoidable. There are considerable differences in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy when compared with England, other local authority areas and within the borough. Men and women living in less deprived areas are more likely to live longer than those living in deprived areas.

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Healthy life expectancy for men in Barnsley is 56.3 years which is lower than the regional and national rates by 4.8 years and 7 years respectively. This has decreased by 1 year since 2009-2011. Healthy life expectancy for women is 56.2 years, which is lower than the national and regional rates by 5.6 years and 7.7 years respectively. This has decreased by 0.9 years since 2009-2011. (Barnsley Inequality profiles, 2015) Deaths from smoking, early deaths from heart disease and stroke, and from cancer are worse than the England average. Being overweight or obese is reducing the life expectancy of many of our young people and adults. The number of people experiencing preventable mental ill-health conditions is high in Barnsley.

3. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) process

The HIA process begins with the “Screening” of the Objectives set out in the Local Plan and includes recognition of a number of key issues. A “Scoping” exercise follows which studies in more detail the potential positive and negative health implications of all the specific policies within the Core Strategy. The scoping determines which policies require a more detailed assessment of their impact on health and are prioritised in terms of when further assessment should take place. The Screening and Scoping exercise poses the following questions:-

Will local resident’s health potentially be improved or be harmed by the Local Plan options, objectives and polices?

Can any changes be made to the Local Plan to further benefit health outcomes?

Will the policies help address health inequalities?

Will the policies have implications for service provision?

4. Screening the Local Plan objectives The Local Plan objectives seek to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life for all residents and those who work here. The Local Plan will have 3 key roles in accordance with the Government's Framework (NPPF, 2012) namely economic, social and environmental, and will deliver sustainable development.

Local Plan

Objectives Will the objectives impact on the health of the communities

Do the objectives contribute to the ambitions of the community?

Does the policy contribute to reducing health inequalities?

What resources are available to conduct a full HIA?

1. Provide opportunities for the creation of new jobs and protection of

√ √ √ -

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existing jobs

2. Improve the conditions in which people live, work, travel and take leisure

√ √ √ -

3. Widen the choice of high quality homes

√ √ √ -

4. Improve the design of development

√ √ - -

5. Achieve net gains in biodiversity

√ √ - -

5. HIA screening criteria The following criteria have been used as a basis for the scoping process:-

Will the policies impact on health of the various communities?

Do the policies contribute to the ambitions of the Corporate Plan?

Do the policies reduce health inequalities?

What resources are available to carry out a full HIA? Using the above criteria, a judgement has been made on the impact of each separate policy. This has produced a score of Red, Amber or Green. Red is seen as a priority, followed by Amber, where further evaluation is necessary and Green where policies clearly have a positive impact on health.

6. Local Plan Policies Location of growth LG1 City Regions

Criteria Potential health benefits Assessment R/A/G

1. Will the policy impact on health of the various communities?

The Policy aims to deliver economic growth which in turn can lead to improved health & wellbeing outcomes for the population. Work is proven to be good for your health. There is a strong economic case for supporting vulnerable people (including mental health, learning disabilities and care leavers)

Green

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into work; money will be saved through benefit claims NHS and social care services, which in turn impacts positively on crime and disorder, anti social behaviour, social inclusion, housing and also the wider aspects of a person’s life, such as wellbeing, community connections and building up resilience to adverse life events. Getting more people into work also increases Barnsley’s GDA, with more people in work, more people well in work and more people progressing in work; positively impacting on the economy and reducing sickness related to employment.

2. Does the policy contribute to the ambitions of the Council Corporate Plan?

Supports the delivery of the regeneration of the borough in line with the aims of the Corporate Plan and Future Council “Thriving and vibrant economy”, “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and resilient communities”.

Green

3. Does the policy contribute to reducing health inequalities?

The benefits of providing improved employment opportunities particularly to the most deprived areas of the borough, will have considerable benefits to health and in particular help reduce health inequalities.

Green

4. What resources are available to conduct a full HIA?

At present only limited resources are available Red

Further comments

Mental Health issues, smoking related illness and high levels of teenage pregnancies are often found in areas of high unemployment. This policy recognises the importance of Barnsley's role in SCR and LCR to grow the economy and create more and better jobs, which consequently supports the key public health priorities in the borough.

LG2 The Location of growth



The location of development if not planned in a sustainable manner with an understanding of local needs can:-

Impact on local health and social care provision.

Encourage or create greater health

Green

5

inequalities

Lead to sedentary lifestyles. The focus of the policy will ensure growth is located around the main urban areas to improve accessibility to services. A key opportunity exists to encourage sustainable travel choices, by locating developments in accessible locations. This in turn will minimise car journeys resulting in less traffic pollution, whilst also encouraging more walking and cycling particularly for shorter journeys. Making better use of existing road network will encourage economic growth. The work being carried out by regional partners, the Highways Agency, bus and coach operators to make the best use of the existing trunk road and motorway network outside the local authority managed network should include the recognition and mitigation of any impact on the health of local communities.


This policy aims to provide services in the most suitable location enhancing the long term sustainability of the Borough and encourage less reliance on the car. This policy can contribute to the introduction of quality transport links, enabling Barnsley to realise its economic potential as a key driver within the Corporate Plan and Future Council.

Green


The location of development can influence access to employment, healthy food options (number and type of food outlets), level of exercise and opportunities to access mental health support. For example consideration given to the location of residential developments, such as affordable housing and the location of education establishments can help to reduce health inequalities. The location of new employment sites can help reduce health inequalities by providing better connections to job opportunities. Consideration to the effect of air pollution and noise to local residents, ensuring effective air quality monitoring in place for local communities living close to the trunk road and motorway network.

Amber



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Further comments

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) recognises the need to take a much wider view of health. Commissioners and service providers should aim to improve health & wellbeing outcomes to reduce the burden of preventable disease. This includes giving consideration to, not only the individual factors, but also the context of broader public policies and environmental influences. This policy can influence the planning and procurement of health provision and encourage healthy lifestyles. This can bring benefits in terms of efficient local health & social care provision, supporting the key objectives and theme to improve economic growth, public services and SCR, within the Barnsley CCG Sustainability Transformation Plans.

Economy E1 Providing Strategic employment locations



By focusing on sustainable strategic locations, this policy has the potential to attract businesses to invest in Barnsley and as a result improve employment prospects for the local population. These improved employment opportunities are likely to benefit the health of the local population in a number of ways. There is a strong economic case for supporting vulnerable people (including mental health, learning disabilities and care leavers) into work; money will be saved through benefit claims NHS and social care services, which in turn impacts positively on crime and disorder, anti social behaviour, social inclusion, housing; and also the wider aspects of a person’s life, such as wellbeing, community connections and building up resilience to adverse life events. Getting more people into work also increases Barnsley’s GDA, with more people in work, more people well in work and more people progressing in work; positively impacting on the economy and reducing sickness related to employment.

Green

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2. Does the policy contribute to the ambitions of the Corporate Plan?

This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Thriving and vibrant economy”, “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and resilient communities”.

Green


The strategic locations proposed in this policy - Barnsley Town Centre will provide opportunities for those areas of the borough where unemployment is a major issue. These areas also tend to be those where health inequalities are the greatest.

Green



Further comments

The provision of sustainable strategic locations to help reduce employment is a key factor for improving the health of the local population. The Marmot Review has focused on the crucial link between health inequalities and accessibility to skills and good quality employment. This policy aims to focus employment where it is most needed and also meet the needs of businesses. This will lead to a reduction in unemployment and as a result see benefits in terms of fewer incidences of circulatory illness, respiratory conditions and mental ill health in the borough.

E2 Distribution of new employment sites



The distribution of land for employment purposes should closely consider accessibility of specific sites. By managing land supply and focusing commercial, retail developments in Urban Barnsley and industrial and business in existing industrial parks this policy should benefit the health of various communities with the range of skills and knowledge across the borough.

Green


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy”.

Green

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The location of growth will impact on access to employment opportunities and as a result can either be positive or detrimental to health inequalities. There is a strong economic case for supporting vulnerable people (including mental health, learning disabilities and care leavers) into work; money will be saved through benefit claims NHS and social care services, which in turn impacts positively on crime and disorder, anti social behaviour, social inclusion, housing; and also the wider aspects of a person’s life, such as wellbeing, community connections and building up resilience to adverse life events. Getting more people into work also increases Barnsley’s GDA, with more people in work, more people well in work and more people progressing in work; positively impacting on the economy and reducing sickness related to employment.

Green



Further comments

E6 Protecting Existing Employment Land



To maximise employment opportunities in the borough it is essential to protect existing employment sites where possible. The loss of these sites to alternative use could result in businesses closing, rather than relocating which could affect employment and adversely impact on health.

Green


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and resilient communities”.

Green


The loss of these sites could impact negatively on health inequalities. Any potential impacts should be assessed in consultation with communities potentially affected.

Amber

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E7 Promoting tourism and encouraging cultural provision



Growing the visitor economy will not only provide employment opportunities for local people but provides opportunities for local people to access cultural, art & sport related activities across the borough, which in turn will benefit health outcomes for residents. There are access routes to key visitor locations and areas close to the Peak District. It should be ensured that traffic pollution is effectively monitored and sustainable travel options are introduced preventing these areas suffering similar problems of congestion and pollution to that of the other parts of the National Park.

Green



Green


In rural areas particularly where employment opportunities are limited, the promotion of tourism can have positive benefits to the whole communities, mental and physical wellbeing and as a result reducing health inequalities. The tourism business sector, including accommodation and hospitality has the potential to support resurgence in the local economy bringing with it much wider health benefits.

Amber



Further comments

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E8 Rural economy



The criteria used to allow development in rural areas includes the importance of improving local services in existing settlements and the provision of affordable housing resulting in significant health benefits.

Green



Green


This policy aims to address an area of potential conflict between retaining the character of our rural areas and yet promoting the local economy. This is a further area for medium to long term health assessment, evaluating the policy’s influence in addressing health inequalities.

Amber



Further comments

Housing H1 The number of new homes to be built



Increasing the number of new homes in the borough and replacing housing stock is likely to have significant positive health benefits for residents. There is strong evidence that good quality, energy efficient, safe homes have a positive impact on healthy life expectancy and a number of other health outcomes including respiratory conditions and mental wellbeing. This is particularly relevant in

Green

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Barnsley where a significant majority of the housing stock is private rented or owner occupied where the housing conditions are poorest.



Green


The location of housing growth will impact on access to employment opportunities and as a result can either be positive or detrimental to health inequalities.

Green



Further comments The BRE report estimates the effect of housing hazards on occupiers and visitors to dwellings and commissioning activity aimed at preventing ill health resulting from poor housing. This information should be used to help inform the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) The report also considers the effect of both current and possible interventions to reduce the number of hazards on health.

H2 The distribution of new homes



The actual health benefits of distributing housing in line with the policy will be difficult to measure accurately at this stage. Reference should be made to the Barnsley housing stock survey and BRE Health Impact Assessment of Private Sector Housing (2013) and consideration be made to the recommendations highlighted in the report.

Green



Green

3. Does the policy contribute to

Improving housing in areas of deprivation should contribute to a reduction in health inequalities

Green

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reducing health inequalities?



Further comments The BRE report estimates the effect of housing hazards on occupiers and visitors to dwellings and commissioning activity aimed at preventing ill health resulting from poor housing. This information should be used to help inform the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) The report also considers the effect of both current and possible interventions to reduce the number of hazards on health.

H7 Housing mix and efficient use of land



This policy ensures that a mix of housing compatible with the changing demographics of society and that the supply meets the needs of various communities. In areas such as Barnsley town centre the availability of housing land is limited, and this policies requirement of greater density aims to encourage more residential living in the heart of the town. These developments are likely to have easier access to services and jobs by walking, cycling and using public transport, contributing to reduced pollution and increase active travel opportunities.

Green



Green


The importance of a broad mix of housing cannot be underestimated in terms of affordability. The requirements of vulnerable households with physical and mental disabilities and young people with support needs should be taken into consideration in more detail.

Amber

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Further comments

H8 – Affordable Housing



The provision of sufficient affordable housing is particularly important for children, families and vulnerable adults. There is strong evidence that inadequate housing is linked to poor public health outcomes.

AMBER



GREEN


This policy aims to provide adequate housing for those in most need and therefore can make a major contribution to health inequalities.

AMBER


At present only limited resources are available. RED

Further comments -

H9 – Housing Regeneration Areas



There is strong evidence that good quality, energy efficient, safe homes have a positive impact on healthy life expectancy and a number of other health outcomes including respiratory conditions and mental wellbeing. This is particularly relevant in Barnsley where a significant majority of the housing stock is private rented or owner occupied where the housing conditions are poorest. Renewal of poor housing and revitalisation of neighbourhoods and communities will have a

AMBER

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positive impact on health outcomes. Housing Market Renewal (HMR) will ensure communities themselves have a key role to play in the development of their area, although longer term monitoring may be required to ensure the full health benefits are delivered.



GREEN


It is important to ensure that all sections of the communities benefit from improvements in health within the HRM projects.

AMBER



Further comments -

GT1 – Sites for Travellers and Travelling Showpeople



There is recognition within this policy of the current shortage of sites for these sections of the community. The provision of new sites to meet unmet and future need will positively impact on the health of travellers who would otherwise be in over-crowded accommodation or have to resort to unauthorised encampments. The two sites proposed to be allocated offer differing health benefits with one being in a highly sustainable location whilst the other is slightly more remote but enjoys good access to open countryside and is immediately adjacent to an existing site which can assist in respect of social cohesion.

AMBER



GREEN

3. Does the policy New sites must be located where these sections of AMBER

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contribute to reducing health inequalities?

the community have good access to health care to help address health inequalities. This issue of location of the preferred sites will be a key factor in the availability of healthcare and needs to be carefully monitored.



Further comments

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Transport T1 – Accessibility Priorities



Many of the policy solutions in the Local Plan such as the designation of a broad based Accessibility Improvement Zone and implementation of the Northern Barnsley Connectivity Study are likely to support the health and well-being of the borough, by setting out specific accessibility issues which currently restrict access to job opportunities, health and education for local residents. These proposals could well lead to increased active travel opportunities in, and between the communities.

GREEN


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and resilient communities”. The various elements of this policy if taken forward by all stakeholders could have major benefits to health across the borough. For example, improving access to education and the vision to transform all learning provision can only be successful if all residents can access the services.

AMBER


This policy has the opportunity to focus a wide range of future policy which will encourage greater employment and educational opportunities, which will impact on poverty and improve health

AMBER

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inequalities. Through the Accessibility Improvement Zone and the facilitation of sustainable transport links between the Principal Towns, this policy will encourage active travel on a much wider scale than previously experienced in the borough. The improvements to public transport links between Barnsley and the City Regions, London, Manchester and the Humber ports has the potential to encourage greater use of the rail network for both passengers and freight. Any reduction in car miles to reach the regional centres is likely to result in benefits in terms of air pollution and consequently on health outcomes.



Further comments

The actual health benefits of the Accessibility Improvement Zone need careful monitoring to provide a robust evidence base for the possible expansion of the zone and/or the zone replicated elsewhere in the borough over the longer term. The individual studies should consider the health benefits of the final recommendations with clear links to health outcomes.

T2 – Safeguarding of Former Railway Lines



The importance of safeguarding the former railway lines are clearly outlined in the policy and could benefit residents health in a number of ways including: improved access to employment and education; opportunity for using the lines and the areas adjacent to the track, for cycling and walking routes; and linking to the existing Trans Pennine Trail which currently supports active travel in many parts of the borough.

GREEN

2. Does the policy contribute to the ambitions of the Council

This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” “People achieving their potential” and recognises the need

GREEN

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Corporate Plan? for the borough to meet its transport needs whilst also taking responsibility for its carbon footprint and promoting more sustainable travel choices.


The contribution of this policy to longer term to health inequalities is unclear. The appraisal scheme for the reinstatement of the line as a railway/cycle way or a mix of these would require more detailed health impact research.

AMBER



Further comments

T3 – New Development and Sustainable Travel



This policy is fundamental in terms of making change to encourage sustainable, active travel. The design and location of developments can heavily influence the need to use a car. The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) relating to car parking policy will be key in terms of its influence on the implementation of policies such as New Development and Sustainable Travel and hence their ability to deliver by encouraging growth in active travel. Transport Assessments aim to ensure that developers minimise congestion of the new schemes on the network, particularly at a local level. There should be a consistent approach for conducting individual Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on specific sites to assess direct health impacts. Travel plans play a major role in encouraging active travel, impacting on the health of local communities. Both the Council and the Health partners should develop effective travel plans within their respective organisations to encourage long term change in travel behaviour.

AMBER

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This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” “People achieving their potential” and recognises the need for the borough to meet its transport needs whilst also taking responsibility for its carbon footprint and promoting more sustainable travel choices

GREEN


Voluntary travel plans have a key role to play in the development of this policy. Based on best practice set by organisations and business across Barnsley the voluntary plans can also change travel behaviour to and from the workplace. This policy will improve access to jobs and services, particularly for those most in need. The policy would benefit from a more detailed assessment in the short to medium term.

AMBER



Further comments

T4 – New Development and Highway Improvement



This policy ensures that new development will provide safe, secure and convenient access to all road users. This will improve road user safety through good design on highways in communities.

GREEN


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” “People achieving their potential” and recognises the need for the borough to meet its transport needs whilst also taking responsibility for safety, security and convenient access, including sustainable travel choices.

GREEN

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By ensuring the infrastructure is in place to facilitate walking and cycling, this policy will support behaviour change cycling schemes e.g. Barnsley Bike-ability scheme which provides free cycle training to children and to their parents in schools across Barnsley.


This policy will contribute towards the aspirations of the South Yorkshire Road Safety Strategy to reduce road traffic accidents, particularly in more deprived areas where traffic accidents are higher than other areas.

GREEN



Further comments -

T5 – Reducing the Impact of Road Travel



This policy will reduce the impact of road travel thereby impacting on residents health in the following areas:- Air Quality The benefits of lower levels of traffic pollution on health outcomes are well evidenced and contribute towards reducing hospital admissions and GP referrals. There is a clear commitment to implement evidence based Air Quality Action Plans. The robustness of the evidence base will ensure resources are focused effectively and not necessarily on the perceived polluters but the actual polluters. Congestion Reducing congestion will not only have economic benefits but is also likely to contribute to lower traffic emissions. This will not only help reduce hospital admissions as a result of respiratory conditions, but may also contribute towards a more cycling /walking friendly environment.

AMBER

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Delivery of goods Efficient delivery of goods is a key element of sustainable development. The development of a Freight Quality Partnership (FQP) aims to engage with key stakeholders and consider the full implications of goods deliveries. The health providers and Barnsley MBC through their respective procurement processes can ensure the FQP is within its remit to consider health benefits at a local level. This can be achieved by consolidating loads to minimise the number of journeys and purchasing low emission vehicles. Active travel This policy in conjunction with the Cycling & Walking Strategies has the potential to make a major contribution to community health by improving physical activity levels and reducing obesity rates.


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” “People achieving their potential” and recognises the need for the borough to meet its transport needs whilst also taking responsibility for its carbon footprint, air quality and promoting more sustainable travel choices.

GREEN


As traffic pollution and congestion tends to be greater in the residential areas and often close to areas of deprivation, it is particularly important to address the health impacts of poor air quality. More evidence at a local level will help to focus resources in areas where the greatest health benefits can be realised. This policy will promote active travel and improve opportunities for improving physical activity levels. It will encourage easier and safer interchange for public transport users and improve access to employment opportunities and health care & leisure facilities.

AMBER



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Further comments

Town centres & retail Barnsley town centre BTC1 The daytime and evening economies



This policy will ensure that developers and operators diversify the daytime and evening economies to cater for a range of customers and are family friendly, serve food and complement other leisure activities, which will bring a range of health benefits. Planning permission will only be granted for pubs, clubs, restaurants in the town centre provided that they add to the diversity and do not give rise to increased noise, disturbance or anti-social behaviour, as well as being designed with public safety and crime prevention in mind. This will contribute to minimising negative impacts on health and promote positive health for residents and visitors.

AMBER



GREEN


This policy has the opportunity to encourage greater employment and educational opportunities, which will impact on poverty and improve health inequalities.

AMBER


5.


Further comments -

BTC3 Public Spaces

Criteria Potential health benefits Assessment

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R/A/G


This policy will ensure that new developments make a positive contribution to public spaces through design, siting and use of materials, in accordance with Barnsley Town Centre public Spaces Strategy. This will contribute to minimising negative impacts on health and promote positive health for residents and visitors.

AMBER



GREEN


This policy has the opportunity to design good quality public spaces to make the town centre more attractive to businesses and homes in the town centre will be more desirable. The quality of the public spaces and streetscape can have an impact on people’s enjoyment of the town centre and their mental wellbeing, as well as provide active travel options to increase physical activity levels.

AMBER



BTC7 Gateways



This policy will ensure the main routes into the town centre are attractive and create a good impression for visitors to the town, and will contribute to peoples’ sense of wellbeing e.g. use of planting. There is evidence that being near to green/open space contributes to mental wellbeing. The design of new buildings fronting these routes and the Gateways to the town will be of a high standard, with potential for environmental improvements which will enhance health & wellbeing for visitors.

Green

2. Does the policy contribute to the

This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council

Green

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ambitions of the Council Corporate Plan?

“Thriving and vibrant economy” and “Strong and resilient communities”.


Limited evidence of direct links with health inequalities although the main routes proposed in this policy into Barnsley Town Centre will provide an improved environment for residents visiting from all areas of the borough including where health inequalities are the greatest.

Amber



Further comments

BTC9 Cycling



This policy will ensure development on sites that include cycle and pedestrian routes as identified in the emerging Transport Strategy. This provides access to active travel and physical activity opportunities for residents and visitors, which in turn will have a positive impact on health & wellbeing.

Green



Green


Improved access to sustainable travel options including cycling, will provide additional opportunities for residents living across the borough to improve physical activity levels, particularly when targeted in areas where levels of physical activity are lowest.

Amber



Further comments The policy will ensure that cycle and pedestrian

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routes are taken into account when considering proposals on nearby sites, and the potential impacts on health.

BTC 10 Green Sprint



This policy will focus on creating a greener, more pedestrian-focused approach to travel from Barnsley town centre with the Dearne Valley Country Park. This will provide access to active travel and physical activity opportunities for residents and visitors and in turn will have a positive impact on health & wellbeing.

Green



Green


Improved access to sustainable travel options including cycling and walking, will provide additional opportunities for residents living across the borough to improve physical activity levels, particularly when targeted in areas where levels of physical activity are lowest.

Amber



Further comments The policy will ensure that cycle and pedestrian routes are taken into account when considering proposals on nearby sites, and the potential impacts on health.

Green Infrastructure and Greenspace GI1 Green Infrastructure


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This policy will improve existing green space to meet standards of the Green Space Strategy. There is huge potential for providing access to physical activity opportunities for residents and visitors which in turn will have a positive impact on health & wellbeing. There is growing evidence that being near to, and using open green space has a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Green


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and resilient communities”.

Green


Improving access to cycling, walking and riding in green space, will provide additional opportunities for residents living across the borough to improve physical activity levels, particularly when targeted in areas where levels of physical activity are lowest.

Amber



Further comments

GI2 Canals – Safeguarded routes



This policy will focus on parts of the canal routes which are in water and have a green infrastructure function, to safeguard their existing and potential green infrastructure role and enhance the contribution to the cycling, footpath and horse riding networks. This will provide access physical activity opportunities for residents and visitors and in turn will have a positive impact on health & wellbeing. There is evidence that being near to open green space has a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Green

6. Does the policy contribute to the ambitions of the

This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and

Green

26

Council Corporate Plan?

resilient communities”.


Improving access to cycling, walking and riding on the canal routes, will provide additional opportunities for residents living across the borough to improve physical activity levels, particularly when targeted in areas where levels of physical activity are lowest.

Amber



Further comments

GS2 Green Ways and Public Rights of Way



This policy will protect Green Ways and Public Rights of Way from development that may affect their character or function. This ensures sustained access to pathways for walking or cycling for residents and visitors and in turn will have a positive impact on health & wellbeing. There is evidence that being near to open green space has a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Green



Green


Improving access to cycling, walking and riding routes, will provide additional opportunities for residents living across the borough to improve physical activity levels, particularly when targeted in areas where levels of physical activity are lowest.

Amber



27

Further comments

GB1 Green Belt and safeguarded land



This policy will ensure that Green Belt will be protected from inappropriate development in accordance with national planning policy. This ensures sustained access to Green Belt areas including pathways for walking or cycling for residents and visitors which in turn will have a positive impact on health & wellbeing. There is evidence that being near to open, green space that can be provided from Green Belt land, and has a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Green



Green


Improving access to green space which includes Green belt land, will provide additional opportunities for residents living across the borough for cycling, walking and riding routes to improve physical activity levels, particularly when targeted in areas where physical activity levels are lowest.

Amber



Further comments

Climate change CC1 Climate Change


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This policy will ensure that development reduces and mitigates the impact of growth and ensure that communities are resilient to climate change. There are significant impacts of climate change on human health, recognised in the Health Protection Agency published report “Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012”, which sets out the various health effects facing the UK from climate change. There is growing evidence of the mental health impact of flooding on communities.

GREEN


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” and “Strong and resilient communities”.

GREEN


This policy should contribute towards a reduction in health inequalities and has strong links to active travel with the potential to increase physical activity contributing towards improvements in public health.

GREEN



Further comments

CC3 – Flood Risk



This policy reduces the extent and impact of flooding and any impact on the health of residents. This supports the sustainable drainage systems policy to ensure that measures are taken to avoid water contamination and safeguard ground water supply.

GREEN

2. Does the policy contribute to the ambitions of the

This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Building a thriving local economy” and “Strong and

GREEN

29

Council Corporate Plan?

resilient communities”.


The east of the borough where flooding has occurred in recent years are also are where health outcomes are amongst the worse in the borough. This policy will contribute to reducing health impacts in these areas.

GREEN



Further comments -

Renewables RE1 – Low Carbon and Renewable Energy



This policy will support the aims of CC1 and is likely to be beneficial to health of communities across the borough. As the costs of conventional energy sources rise the significance of providing heating, lighting and power supply to new health sites will be a major consideration. Although this may not have a direct impact on health of the various communities, the cost of using conventional energy may impact on the level of health care that can be provided.

GREEN



GREEN


Any reduction in emissions as a result of renewable energy is likely to have a positive impact on health and possibly in areas where pollution could be highest. By using renewable energy in conjunction with improving levels of insulation heating bills, a major concern for low income families and those on benefit, are likely to reduce. This will provide greater opportunities for healthier lifestyles.

AMBER

30



Further comments

Minerals MIN1 Minerals MIN2 Existing permitted reserves and Areas of search



This policy will ensure that proposals for non-mineral development within or close to the Existing Permitted Reserves and Areas of Search identified on the Proposals Maps will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the development will not compromise extraction operations or result in sterilisation of resources within these areas. Once the mineral related development sites are identified, a clearer indication of the health implications of each site should be included at the scoping stage. This should include health impacts of noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, subsidence, increased flood risk, impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater; and migration of contamination from the site.

Green


This policy can make a major contribution towards the Corporate plan and goals for Future Council “Thriving economy” “People achieving their potential” and “Strong and resilient communities”.

Green


It is difficult at this stage to clearly establish the health implications of this policy and therefore a more detailed assessment is proposed into specific sites.

Amber

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Further comments

MIN4 Mineral extraction



This policy will ensure that proposals for mineral extraction must not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or on human health including noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, subsidence, increased flood risk, impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater; and migration of contamination from the site. The submission of a dust assessment to ensure that dust emissions are controlled, mitigated or removed at source will minimise health impacts. A noise emissions assessment will ensure that any negative health impacts are mitigated where it is avoidable.

Amber



Green


The planning conditions and legal agreements where appropriate, will ensure that environmental criteria are met, which will in turn have some impacts on the health of communities. An agreed programme of work must take account, as far as is practicable, of the potential health impacts on the local community over the expected duration of operations. Where appropriate, community liaison groups will help to monitor and appraise any health concerns associated with mineral extraction sites throughout the life of the development.

Amber

4. What resources are available to


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conduct a full HIA?

Further comments

Contaminated land and unstable land

CL1 – Contaminated and Unstable Land



This policy will minimise the risk of contamination on development land and any potential health impacts for residents. It is proposed that a future scoping exercise is carried out on relevant Supplementary Planning documentation.

AMBER



GREEN


By ensuring users or occupiers of contaminated land take account of the health implications of their development proposals, this policy will ensure that the current health of the local population is taken into account. In areas of particularly poor health the impact on health inequalities could be significant.

AMBER



Further comments -

Poll1 – Pollution Control and Protection



The policy complements the following policy (AQ1) regarding air quality and is likely to benefit local communities’ health by reducing hospital admissions and GP referrals, particularly for

AMBER

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respiratory conditions. This policy will control and mitigate potential sources of pollution in the future. Careful monitoring is required in the longer term.



GREEN


As areas of poor air quality, noise and smell tend to focus around the major routes into and out of the town centres where less affluent members of the population live. Restricting development based on this policy is likely to help reduce heath inequalities.

AMBER



AQ1 – Development in Air Quality Management Areas



This policy will contribute to the improvement of local air quality in the borough and will benefit residents health outcomes. This will be of particular benefit to local residents with existing respiratory conditions. With respect to housing development, this policy seeks to improve residents health by either ensuring development is away from areas of poor air quality or suitable mitigations are in place, to minimise impact of pollution.

GREEN



GREEN


Barnsley’s AQMA's tend to located at busy congested roads in the borough and in areas where housing stock is of a poorer standard. As traffic pollution tends to be greater in these urban areas

AMBER

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and in many cases close to areas of deprivation it is particularly important to address the health impacts of poor air quality. More research will help focus resources and draw together informed conclusions.



Utilities UT1 Hazardous substances



This policy will ensure that proposals for development involving hazardous substances will only be permitted where there is no unacceptable risk to public health and safety and in accordance

with the General Development Policy GD1.

Green



Green


The controls under health and safety legislation, and controls for the type of development permitted in the vicinity of these installations should minimise impact on communities’ health. Maps will be available showing the consultation distances for them and will consult the HSE on any proposed development in these areas to determine the risks to the proposed development and communities affected.

Amber



Further comments

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UT2 Utilities safeguarding



This policy will ensure that existing services and utilities e.g. major pipelines, transmission lines, distribution mains, sewerage and sewage treatment works, land drainage systems and water resources, together with associated equipment, installations and operational land, will be protected from development that will detrimentally affect them. This will have potential impacts for human health.

Green



Green


Any potential impacts should be assessed in consultation with communities potentially affected.

Amber



Further comments

Community Infrastructure I1 Infrastructure and Planning obligations


1. Will the policy impact on health

This policy ensures that development is supported by appropriate physical, social, economic and

GREEN

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of the various communities?

communications infrastructure including:- Affordable housing (including supported housing); Open Space (including play areas, sport and recreation); Community facilities (including youth activities and meeting venues); Cultural facilities (including libraries and archaeology); Health and social care facilities; Transport infrastructure (including footpaths, bridleways, cycle ways and roads); and Green Infrastructure. All of these key areas have significant physical and mental health benefits for residents.



Green


Improvements to affordable housing, access to health and social care facilities and open spaces, in particular assist in reducing health inequalities. A key consideration is that sites where obligations can be applied may not coincide with those areas where health inequalities are greatest.

Amber



Further comments

I2 Educational facilities and Community Uses



This policy ensures that provision of schools, educational and community facilities are supported. Sites for Advanced Learning Centres (ALC’s) in the Education Sites DPD will be safeguarded for such purposes, providing improvements in local education for children & adults and improved health outcomes. Combining a number of schools to one site could have negative effects in terms of accessibility, road safety and health. ALC’s can provide opportunities for cycling and walking to school through implementation of School Travel Plan’s (STP) to set clear annual targets and outcomes for active travel to

Amber

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school.



Green


Merging schools to form ALC’s can result in the children and parents travelling significantly further to the site. Investment into the infrastructure and developing school travel plans, will reduce the likelihood of health inequalities widening further. Consideration should be given to the health of the local population close to site from increased traffic pollution. With a widening healthy life expectancy gap across the borough, it is essential that a more detailed assessment of the Education sites, health and active travel be carried out as a measure to support further reduction in health inequalities.

Amber



Further comments

6. Further analysis and prioritisation Polices shown in “amber” above require more detailed assessment over the lifetime of the Barnsley Local plan Strategy. The table below prioritises the “amber” polices based on the requirement for further assessment in the short, medium and long term. The amber policies are:- LG2, E6, E7, E8, H7, H8, H9, T1, T2, T3, T5, BTC1, BTC3, BTC7, BTC9, BTC10, GI2, GS2, GB1, CL1, Poll1, AQ1, RE1, MIN2, MIN4, UT1, UT2, I1, I2

Timescale

Policies Details

Short term Further Assessment to commence preparation of Development Sites

LG2, H7, H8, H9, T1,T2, T3, T5, TC1, CL1, AQ1, I2

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Examples The location of growth

Location of growth in both residential and business terms can heavily influence the health of local communities in terms of traffic pollution Location of growth can also impact on health inequalities. For example, if new employment sites are only accessible by car they are unlikely to attract local residents who are currently unemployed to return to work. As unemployment has been a major issue for Barnsley since the decline of the mining industry and resulted in an increase in a wide range of health conditions, this policy requires more detailed health assessment at various stages of the planning processes, including the site specific, master planning stages. Developments approved today will have long term implications on health, consequently an HIA assessment protocol should be introduced into the planning process.

Housing mix and efficient use of land

As with LG2, a protocol needs to be in place in the short term to ensure health impacts of housing mix and land use become an integral element of forward planning and individual residential applications.

Accessibility Priorities

The policies contribution to the Corporate Plan is monitored as part of the annual review. A more detailed assessment in required in the medium term with the reporting process established in the short term. This should clearly focus on the benefits of the policy in terms of Health inequalities.

Safeguarding of former railway lines

It is essential to safeguard any proposed routes in the short term, as there will be opportunities to use either rail routes for cycle and walking routes. Once safeguarded a detailed feasibility study into their final use should be conducted.

New development and sustainable travel

New developments have huge potential for active travel in the local community, contributing to reducing health inequalities. Planning should consider conditions for developers to fund the cost of monitoring travel plans to provide information to support a long term assessment of this policy.

Town Centres

The redevelopment of the town centres needs continual input from Public Health and this policy monitoring closely. i.e. The health impacts of the night time economy and the number and location of fast food outlets, as well as

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active travel developments.

Contaminated land

The report proposed in this policy should set out the clear health implications for residents and local community of redeveloping the contaminated land with a clear protocol for the report.

Development in Air Quality Management Areas

This policy provides a clear link in the Corporate Strategy in relation to reducing road traffic pollution, improved transport and health. In the short term, the health implications of this policy should be carefully assessed in line with the existing AQMA’s and future AQMA's.

Educational facilities and community uses

This policy has a key role in encouraging active travel, each individual site should be assessed establishing a protocol in place, and assessing sites in the future.

Medium term Further Assessment to commence during first review of Corporate Plan

H8, E6, E7, E8, T5, GI1, GS1, MIN1

Examples Affordable Housing

This policy should be closely monitored in terms of impact on quality of life. With a significant number of children under 16 in the borough living in poverty, affordable housing will form an important role in reducing health inequalities and improve community health.

Promoting Tourism and encouraging Cultural Provision

Encouraging the provision of a wide range of opportunities for cultural activities and safeguarding the existing cultural provision will result in health benefits. There is growing evidence that art and cultural experience can have significant mental wellbeing benefits, reduces stress and low level mental health problems and is part of recovery pathways for people with mental health problems. Furthermore, the opportunities to encourage tourism to create employment has health benefits for residents and requires careful HIA appraisal.

Rural economy This policy is closely linked to E7 and it is proposed that any assessment of this policy also incorporates E9

New development

Maximising the opportunities for active travel is essential for improving residents health & wellbeing.

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and Highway improvement

Quality highway design can help support increased “Active Travel” walking by reducing conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians and other road users and encouraging behavioural change.

Reducing the impact of road travel

This policy needs more detailed assessment in the medium term and should link closely with the monitoring of T4. In particular:-

Robust, evidence based air quality action plans to improve air quality

Efficient vehicles and goods delivery, and reduce exhaust emissions

Road system is used efficiently

Green Infrastructure

By creating, maintaining and enhancing multi functional open spaces this policy can offer major health benefits. There is well documented benefits for people with mental health problems benefiting from green infrastructure. It is proposed that further assessment of the health benefits is carried out in the medium term.

Protecting the Green Belt

As with GS1 the protection of certain areas of Green Belt, will have particular benefit for residents living in deprived areas with poorer health outcomes. It is proposed that an assessment of this policy be conducted in the medium term.

Minerals It is proposed that individual site assessments be carried in line with the specific sites.

Long term Further Assessment anticipated to take place as and when further reviews take place

BI01, MIN2, MIN4, UT1, UT2, I1, CL1, Poll1, RE1

Examples Low carbon and renewable energy

The effects of this policy on heath outcomes and inequalities are unlikely to become apparent until more opportunities’ arise. As this policy is specifically aimed at future developments any impact on health will be long term.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

Development which conserves and enhances the biodiversity and geological features of the Borough has the potential in the long term to

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benefit health. In particular for residents mental wellbeing and physical activity opportunities. It is proposed that an assessment of the health benefits of this policy is carried out in the longer term.

References Barnsley Council (2015) “Barnsley Inequality profiles” Marmot, M (2010) “Fair Society, Healthy Lives; The Marmot Review” http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/fair-society-healthy-lives-the-marmot-review NHS London Healthy Urban Development (2012) “The National Planning Policy Framework & Health”; HUDU Planning for Health, Information guidance note 2 Acknowledgements This document has been producing using the framework designed by Alan West (Public Health) to assess the Barnsley Local Development Framework (Feb, 2010). Special thanks to Public Health colleagues who have reviewed and screened relevant policies in this document. Julie Tolhurst Public Health Principle (Place) June 2016

http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/fair-society-healthy-lives-the-marmot-review

http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/fair-society-healthy-lives-the-marmot-review

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